If you are affected by the Persona knee recall, you could be eligible for compensation.

In February 2015, Zimmer announced a voluntary recall of the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee part, a component of the medical device that was causing the knee implant to become loose from its intended position. X-rays reportedly unveiled gaps between the knee implant and the bone indicating “poor seating” of the knee implant system.

Patients experiencing persistent pain, mobility problems, inflammation, knee instability or knee tightness upon implantation could be victims of the component covered by the Persona knee recall.

The metal tibial plate is a component designed to give the implant stability. The recalled part consists of two pegs that are inserted into the bone with the intention that the bone will subsequently “grow” around the pegs to secure the implant.

Zimmer says the recall affects nearly 12,000 components. The Persona knee recall was issued voluntarily by Zimmer after the company received multiple complaints primarily consisting of two problems:

• Radiolucent Lines: These are the gaps between the knee implant component and the bone that indicate “poor seating” because the implant moved from its originally intended position. Radiolucent lines indicate initial signs the implant is becoming loose.
• Loosening: The Persona tibial metal plate became noticeably loose from its originally attached position. Zimmer says a loose component “is one of the most prevalent causes for revision in total knee arthroplasty.”

Persona Knee Recall Indicates Revision Surgery Often Needed

Revision surgery is often necessary if a patient experiences persistent pain, device loosening, loss of fixation, or patella tracking issues. When the bone fails to grow around the pegs, that lack of ingrowth can contribute to instability, a globally tight knee, or even a fracture.

Knee revision surgery comes with its own risks. A second total knee replacement revision surgery can lead to higher risks of complications than realized in the initial surgery. Pain and swelling, infection, blood clots, bone loss, fractures, and even leg length discrepancies can wreak havoc on a patient trying to recover from knee revision surgery. The traumatized knee is more susceptible to nerve, tissue and blood vessel damage that can leave complete long-term recovery in question.

Patients enduring a second full knee replacement surgery due to the Persona knee recall will accrue additional medical costs and suffer from time away from work, family, and friends. The emotional and psychological toll may be worse knowing this second surgery could have been avoided if the original implant components were not defective.

This investigation covers patients who received the cementless Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate as part of a total knee replacement from 2012 to 2015. The component was part of the recall announced by the FDA  in March 2015.   A lawyer experienced with Zimmer Persona knee recall issues can help patients determine whether a Zimmer Persona knee recall lawsuit is right for them.